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A woman convicted at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (November 14) of smuggling ivory was fined $90,000.
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that a total of some 44 kilograms of worked ivory and cut pieces was seized by Customs officers from the two pieces of hand luggage of a 37-year-old woman arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire via Dubai, United Arab Emirates yesterday (November 13) afternoon. Subsequent to investigations, the AFCD laid charge against the woman for illegal import of endangered species.
Elephants are listed in Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and are regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586).
The import, export, re-export or possession of specimens of Appendix I species or their parts not in accordance with the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance is an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years. The specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction.
The spokesman reminded the public to comply with the regulations and not to buy, import or export specimens or products of endangered species from dubious sources.
To enquire about the control of endangered species and to report suspected irregularities, the public can call AFCD on 1823.
Ends/Saturday, November 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:52
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